Amusment Parks: Holiday World Finishes Best-Ever Season Blooloop

Holiday World finished its 63rd season by setting a new seasonal attendance record.

“This is the fourth year in a row we’ve topped one million in attendance, ” says park president Will Koch. “This season we grew by nearly three percent. We’re very grateful to all the families who came to visit our parks.”

With a final count of 1, 039, 359 guests, Koch credits the season’s growth with the addition of Pilgrims Plunge, the world’s tallest water ride, plus the parks’ budget-friendly free soft drinks, along with a continued concentration on cleanliness and friendliness.

“So much of the credit goes to the incredible service and hospitality provided by our outstanding Hosts and Hostesses, ” Koch says. “It doesn’t matter how great your rides are if the employees are rude and the bathrooms are filthy. We are very appreciative of our hard-working staff.”

Last month, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari were awarded two coveted “Golden Ticket Awards” from Amusement Today magazine. The publication’s readers, who are well-traveled park enthusiasts from around the world, voted the southern Indiana parks the world’s #1 Cleanest again this year. The #1 Wooden Roller Coaster on the Planet title went to The Voyage for the third year in a row. Second-place titles were also awarded in the Friendliest Park Staff and Water Park categories.

Koch says the parks’ strong growth pattern should continue next year with the addition of Wildebeest, the world’s longest water coaster. The $5.5 million expansion is expected to create an additional 50 seasonal jobs in 2010.

Holiday World, the world’s first theme park, will open its 64th season on May 1, 2010. Splashin’ Safari will open for the season on Friday, May 14, with the debut of Wildebeest, the World’s Longest Water Coaster. For more information visit www.holidayworld.com or call 1-877-Go-Family.